What happens in family development?
• The family develops a partnership with a family development worker.
• A family development worker helps the family assess its needs and strengths; an ongoing process.
• The family sets its own major goal (such as getting a job, or providing healthy care for a disabled family member) as well as, smaller goals working toward the major goal, and identifies ideas for reaching them.
• The family development worker helps the family make a written plan for pursuing goals with some tasks being the responsibility of the family members and some the worker's. Accomplishments are celebrated, and the plan is continually updated.
• The family learns and practices skills needed to become self reliant.
• The family uses services as stepping stones to reach their goals.
• The family's sense of responsible self-control is restored. The family (and each individual within the family) is strengthened by the family development process so they are better able to handle future challenges.
What will the FDC Program offer me and my organization?
With FDC training you will:
• Be more effective in helping people set and reach their own goals.
• Use well-researched, strengths-based approaches.
• Form mutually respectful partnerships with individuals and families.
• Develop life skills that help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
• Recognize strengths in yourself, the families you work with, and your community, and use these strengths to reach goals.
• Grow personally and professionally as you learn with others in a supportive environment.
• Earn a Family Development Credential from University of Missouri-Kansas City.
• Earn college credit.
What is the status of the FDC in Missouri?
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Family Studies Program is adapting the Family Development Training and Credentialing Program for use in Missouri. If you are interested in receiving FDC training for yourself, in becoming certified to offer the FDC curriculum to other human services frontline family workers, or you just want to learn more about the initiative in Missouri, please contact Dr. Deborah Smith, Director, Family Studies Program at (816) 235-2529 or smithde@umkc.edu or Family Support Council at 314/534-9350.